Taking a Look at the BIG Picture - Celebrating 25 Years of CUPS

Annual report art-style exhibit showcases the core relationships that have helped to make CUPS a leader in the fight against poverty

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Oct. 7, 2014) - On Thursday, October 2, CUPS (Calgary Urban Project Society) celebrated 25 years with Big Picture - a unique photography exhibition show casing some of the faces behind this multifaceted organization. As a representation of the importance of coming together, and working together, CUPS has taken their annual report off the pages and put it on the walls.

This unique interactive exhibit allowed Calgarians to walk through the past twenty-five years of growth with CUPS and see the impact that CUPS has had on the community. Twenty-five portraits representing some of the core relationships that have made CUPS a success, from participants and founders to donors, volunteers, staff and partners were on display.

"Together, we have worked to improve the lives of Calgarians in need and, together, we have contributed to a culture of caring where no man, woman or child is left behind. This is the Big Picture," says Carlene Donnelly, CUPS Executive Director.

With October proclaimed as End Poverty Month, Mayor Naheed Nenshi addressed the importance of coming together to help build a positive and healthy environment for Calgarians - just as CUPS has been doing for twenty five years.

Carlene Donnelly said, "As I look around this room tonight, I see so many faces that have changed our community. There is so much good in this room- and I hope you will all continue to stand behind CUPS for the next twenty-five years."

CUPS was founded in 1989 as a grassroots response to the needs of Calgary's impoverished by faith- based communities and medical professionals. Over the last twenty-five years, CUPS has continued to grow and evolve to deliver the highest standard of care and compassion to low-income Calgarians. Today, CUPS is a leader in the fight against poverty. It is a vibrant, multifaceted and innovative organization offering evidence-based programs and services that span health, housing and education.

About CUPS:

Through integrated health care, education and housing services, CUPS empowers people to overcome the challenges of poverty and reach their full potential. CUPS helps individuals, families and communities thrive. Today, CUPS provides programs and services to over 7,000 low-income Calgarians annually. Programs include primary medical care; pre-natal care for at-risk women; Hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment; dental care; two early intervention child development centres; parenting programs; three housing programs; an ID program; and emergency funding to prevent homelessness. CUPS employees 180 people and had an operating budget of $12.9 million for its April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 fiscal year.

About End Poverty Month:

End Poverty Month was initiated to raise awareness to the serious social issue of poverty and to serve as a platform for Calgarians to realize their contribution to poverty reduction. It is centered around the United Nation's International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Mayor Naheed Nenshi, on behalf of City Council proclaimed October 1-31 to be End Poverty Month.